Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has made his thoughts on Alexander Isak clear, as he hinted at behind-the-scenes plans at Liverpool ahead of next season.
Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle for a record £125m deal in what was arguably the biggest transfer saga of the summer, with the striker going on strike to seal his move to Anfield.
The Reds fans will remember their social media battle with The Telegraph’s Newcastle correspondent Luke Edwards, as the standoff between Isak and the Magpies continued.
In the end, all parties got what they wanted, with the Tyneside outfit bagging a hefty fee and the Sweden international putting pen to paper on a six-year deal for Arne Slot’s side.
Isak battling flop allegations at Liverpool
However, things have not gone according to plan for Isak on Merseyside, having racked up only three goals across all competitions seven months into his time at the club.
The 26-year-old has particularly struggled with his fitness. He has been on the treatment table since suffering an injury in the process of scoring a goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur on 20 December, although he is now edging closer to a return.
The Reds poor form under Slot has also not helped his cause, but that has not stopped football fans from name-dropping him in discussions about the biggest flop transfers of the season.
Fowler makes verdict on Isak
Fowler, though, has no qualms about Isak’s future at Anfield, as the legend fully expects the former Borussia Dortmund frontman to regain momentum upon his return from injury.
He pointed out that Slot’s side have not played to the Swede’s, as well as Hugo Ekitike’s, strengths this term, with service from the wings leaving a lot to be desired.
Fowler stated that Liverpool appear to be in transition, although he feels no one will admit it, as Mohamed Salah draws a curtain on his illustrious stint in L4.
Speaking in an interview, he said: “He’s brilliant. He’s a player Liverpool have earmarked for maybe life after Mo [Salah]. They’re different positions, obviously, but there’s going to be a role for him, but that means bringing other players in different roles to try and help him.
“Probably playing the way we have this year didn’t help Isak; it didn’t help Ekitike as a striker. You want someone to be whipping balls in, so you can go and attack the front post or go and attack the far post. So, [Liverpool have] probably not played to their strengths.
“That tells me Liverpool have always had a little bit of a plan for the future. No one will ever admit this, but maybe this season is a bit of a write-off in terms of that, while we sort of, I hate that word, transition.
“Maybe that was the bigger plan along, the bigger picture, still wanting to do well and still believing that we’ll do well, of course. But, he’s a player who’s a player who will score goals, and he’ll be brilliant for Liverpool.”
In a major injury boost for Liverpool, Slot recently revealed that Isak is expected to be available for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final trip to Paris Saint-Germain on 8 April.
The 26-year-old will also be raring to go, as he aims to put the disappointments of this season behind him.
However, the Reds must be cautious with the centre-forward and should focus on easing him in instead of throwing him in at the deep end. If used correctly, there is no doubt that Isak can be a valuable asset to the reigning champions as they look to end the season strongly.
